Former England footballer and manager Kevin Keegan dies aged 75
Tuesday, 21 July 2026
The former footballer and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75. It was announced in January that he was being treated for cancer, and his stage-four diagnosis was revealed in June. He died surrounded by his wife, Jean, and daughters, Sarah and Laura.
Keegan played for and managed Newcastle United after a sparkling career with Scunthorpe, Liverpool, Hamburg and Southampton. He also managed England from 1999 to 2000.
A statement on behalf of the family read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer.
“Kevin, a double Ballon d'Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support.”
Keegan made 63 appearances for England, captaining his country on 31 occasions. As a player he won the Ballon d'Or twice, in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg, with whom he took the Bundesliga title.
Before that, he had spent six years at Liverpool where he scored 100 goals in 323 appearances. Despite starting there as a midfielder when he joined from Scunthorpe for pounds 33,000 aged 20, he began playing up front under Bill Shankly and his success in a forward partnership with John Toshack earned him a first England call-up in 1972.
In his final year on Merseyside he lifted the 1977 European Cup as Liverpool beat Borussia Monchengladbach in the final in Rome, before making the move to Germany for £500,000.
An England statement read: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and former clubs.”
Newcastle United, for whom Keegan played and, as manager, led to the First Division title, said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club's history.
“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.”
The former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer wrote on social media: “My hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”
A Liverpool statement read: “Liverpool is deeply saddened and mourning the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan, who appeared 323 times and scored 100 goals for the club across six seasons. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kevin's family and friends at this hugely difficult time.”
The former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher wrote: “RIP Kevin Keegan. One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d'Or winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game.”
The Prince of Wales, who is the patron of the FA, said: “Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game. Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man.”
– The Times, London